The Indonesian government has been saying that it wants all foreign troops and aid workers out of the country by the end of March. The government says it’s hoping to take over reconstruction and assistance by that time. Most people doubt that Indonesia has the capacity to do that.
What’s behind all this is a decades old war between separatist rebels in Aceh province, and the government in Jakarta. Some wonder if the tsunami opens the door to new peace negotiations or if the already fragile situation is doomed to failure. Many say the key to rebuilding the country may lie in a peace settlement between the two.
Guests:
Sidney Jones, South East Asia Project Director for the International Crisis Group.
Richard Baker, Indonesia specialist with the East-West Center.